Long live the classic cocktail

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The classic cocktail revival is merging into the mainstream. It’s been a longish journey, kicked off in New York, elevated to an art form in San Francisco and all but taking over a certain segment of Los Angeles’ increasingly sophisticated late-night set.

But now, classic cocktails with a twist have come to a hotel chain near you -- or they will be soon -- as drinks of a bygone era are served up with a new dose of modern bohemian décor. These new spots are markedly different than those charmingly themed wood-trimmed bars such as downtown’s Varnish that turn to the 1920s for design cues.